Penny Black
United Kingdom · 1840 · 1d
The Penny Black is the world's first adhesive postage stamp used in a public postal system. It features a profile of Queen Victoria against a finely engraved, intricate background. The design, based on a sketch by Henry Corbould, was chosen to be difficult to forge.
Issued on May 1, 1840, the Penny Black revolutionized communication by introducing a standardized, prepaid postage system, making mail accessible to the general populace.
Printing Method
Engraved
Catalog Numbers
Image: · License:
View on Wikimedia CommonsEstimated Values by Condition
Perfectly centered, fresh, no faults
Well centered, fresh colors
Nicely centered, minor flaws
Average centering, acceptable
Off-center or visible wear
Prices are approximate market estimates for educational purposes. Actual values depend on specific factors including cancel type, margins, and provenance.
